Cape Air's baggage policy for carry-on and checked baggage, based on the latest available information. Always check capeair.com for the most up-to-date details, as policies may vary by route, fare type, or aircraft.
Carry-On Baggage
Allowance:
- All passengers: 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag, small backpack) included free.
- Infants: 1 diaper bag permitted in addition to the adult’s allowance.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Carry-on: Max. 45 linear inches (114 cm, L + W + H, e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles/wheels. Must fit in overhead bins (where available) or be gate-checked. No specific weight limit, but must be "sufficiently small and lightweight" for security screening. Suggested max. 25 lbs (11 kg).
- Personal item: Max. 36 linear inches (e.g., 12 x 12 x 12 in / 30 x 30 x 30 cm). On Tecnam Traveller aircraft, max. 12 x 6 x 8 in (30.5 x 15.2 x 20.3 cm) to fit under the seat. Suggested max. 25 lbs (11 kg).
Additional Notes:
- Small Aircraft (e.g., Cessna 402, Britten-Norman Islander): No overhead or underseat storage. Carry-ons are gate-checked (free, up to 45 in, under 50 lbs) and stored in cargo compartments, with items available planeside upon arrival. Personal items may be allowed in the cabin if small enough.
- Tecnam P2012 or ATR42: Limited overhead/underseat space. Oversized carry-ons are gate-checked.
- Liquids/gels: Max. 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in a 1-quart clear plastic bag. Medical liquids/gels (e.g., for diabetes) are exempt but must be declared.
- Prohibited items: E-cigarettes, spare lithium batteries, and hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids, fireworks) are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. Spare lithium batteries must be protected and carried in carry-on only.
- Fragile/valuable items: Recommended in carry-on, but Cape Air is not liable for damage.
Checked Baggage
Allowance:
- Standard Allowance: 1 checked bag (max. 50 lbs / 23 kg, 62 linear inches / 158 cm) included free for most routes. Some routes (e.g., direct flights to/from BNA, BIL, BOS, HPN, ORD, EWB, STL, ZYP) include the first bag free as shown on the ticket.
- Caribbean Routes (e.g., San Juan, Vieques, St. Thomas): 1 checked bag (max. 50 lbs / 23 kg) + 1 gate-checked bag (max. 45 in) + 1 personal item included free.
- Military: Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired military personnel, and dependents are exempt from baggage fees with valid ID.
- Up to 2 additional bags (max. 50 lbs / 23 kg, 62 in each) can be checked, subject to space and fees.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Max. 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (158 cm, L + W + H).
- Overweight (51–70 lbs / 24–32 kg): Additional fee (cumulative, varies by route).
- Oversized (over 62 in): Additional fee (varies by route).
- Bags over 70 lbs or 62 in are not accepted (must be shipped as cargo). Boxes/containers: Max. 50 lbs and 42 linear inches, treated as excess baggage.
Fees (approximate, per bag, each way):
- First bag: Free if included in fare; otherwise, $30–$50 (e.g., Caribbean routes).
- Second bag: $30–$50.
- Third bag: $85–$95.
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $25–$50.
- Oversized (over 62 in): $25–$50.
- Fees vary by itinerary and codeshare partner. If Cape Air is not the first carrier, the first airline’s fees apply.
- No prepayment option; fees are paid at the airport.
Additional Notes:
- Checked baggage is accepted from ticketed passengers only and subject to inspection.
- Excess/oversized bags are carried space-available.
- Codeshare/interline itineraries: Baggage is checked through to the final destination if on the same ticket. Separate tickets require reclaiming and rechecking baggage with sufficient connection time (min. 1 hour recommended).
- Liability: Limited to $500 per passenger for Cape Air-only travel; $3,400–$3,500 for interline travel with larger aircraft (per federal rules). Not liable for normal wear/tear or fragile/unsuitably packed items.
Special Items
Sports Equipment:
- Counts as a checked bag if within 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 in (158 cm). If oversized/overweight, fees apply ($25–$50). Carried space-available.
- Examples: Bicycles, golf bags, fishing equipment. May not fit on small aircraft (e.g., Cessna 402).
Musical Instruments:
- Can be carried on if within carry-on limits or gate-checked/checked if within checked baggage limits. Oversized fees may apply.
Pets:
- Small dogs, cats, and household birds (domestic US only) allowed in-cabin for $125 one-way (domestic) or $200 (international). Carrier counts as carry-on, must fit under the seat.
Strollers/Car Seats/Wheelchairs:
- Free, not counted toward baggage allowance.
- Wheelchairs with lithium-ion batteries exceeding 300 Wh are not permitted.
Medical Devices:
- CPAP machines: Allowed as carry-on or checked baggage but cannot be used onboard.
- Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs): Allowed as carry-on (stowed, not used) if compliant with battery rules. Personal oxygen cylinders/canned oxygen are prohibited.
Additional Notes
Prohibited Items: No household chemicals, flammable liquids, fireworks, e-cigarettes in checked baggage, or marijuana (per federal law).
Baggage Embargoes: Seasonal or route-specific restrictions may apply due to aircraft size or codeshare policies.
Lost/Delayed Baggage:
- Report at the airport before leaving or within 24 hours. Most delayed bags are located within 24 hours.
- Interim expense reimbursement may be available (retain receipts, contact arrival airport).
- If unlocated after 5 days, submit a Customer Claim Form. After 30 days, settlement discussions begin.
Tips:
- Pack light due to small aircraft and limited space. Weigh/measure bags at home to avoid fees.
- For codeshare flights (e.g., JetBlue, American Airlines), check the first carrier’s baggage policy.
- Arrive 30+ minutes before departure for check-in, even with online check-in, to weigh carry-ons.
